Volunteers pedal cycle rickshaws loaded with steaming cauldrons and trays, delivering warm meals to families affected by recent storms through Vincent Helps’ “Hot Meals on Wheels” initiative.
“Our goal is to meet people’s most urgent needs during crises,” says Fr. Geowen A. Porcincula, CM, head of operations for Vincent Helps. “We aim to help the poor as if we’re putting out a fire,” a guiding principle of St. Vincent de Paul.
The organization’s rapid response ensures that relief reaches those most in need, especially in the wake of the natural calamities that have become all too common in the country.
With generous support from Vincentian families, over PHP 859,000 in donations have funded the latest relief efforts. These contributions have made it possible to deliver grocery packs to 4,172 families and hot meals to 6,360 individuals in areas such as Naga City and Camarines Sur.
Vincent Helps, the disaster response arm of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) Philippine Province, was founded in 2020 to provide quick and effective assistance to communities devastated by natural disasters. It mobilized seminarians and volunteers to distribute food packs, relief goods, and provide immediate support during crises.
Looking ahead, Fr. Geowen A. Porcincula, CM, explains that while Vincent Helps will continue its relief operations, the Vincentian Foundation will take the lead in the rehabilitation efforts. These efforts will focus on rebuilding typhoon-resilient homes, following the successful model used in Caramoan, Catanduanes. A similar approach will be applied to towns in Bicol affected by the recent storms, including house repairs and new constructions.
Once rehabilitation is complete, the focus will shift to sustainability, with long-term programs designed to help communities build lasting resilience. Through these efforts, Vincent Helps is laying the groundwork for a future where communities are not only restored but also empowered to thrive.
